Noida, June 8
The Noida police registered a case of burglary and poisoning on Sunday, a day after a family here was found drugged and a woman died of the overdose of intoxicants, their home was ransacked, and their domestic help went missing.

The police registered a case of burglary under Section 381 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against the domestic servant, who is missing. A case relating to the woman’s death was filed under Section 304 - culpable homicide not amounting to murder — and also under Section 328 — causing hurt by poisonous substance.

The family of Ajay Maini, a 40-year-old industrialist, was found drugged at their Sector 50 home on Saturday morning and their domestic help Akash was missing. Maini’s wife Sandhya, 38, later died in the hospital. She was cremated at the Noida cremation ground on Sunday.

The couple’s 19-year-old son Rakshak, Sara, a three-year-old daughter of a relative, and cook Raju, and Ajay Maini himself were rushed to the hospital, where they recovered.

Akash, alias Raj Kumar, their Nepali servant, is absconding and police teams have been spread out to nab him.

“Since the family was busy with the cremation, they could not discuss about the articles missing from the house. They have not prepared an inventory of the stolen articles either,” investigation officer Krishna Srivastava said.

“As far as the post-mortem report is concerned, it has been made clear that the entire family was administered intoxicants. The dose for Sandhya was definitely heavy. The viscera have been sent for forensic test to a laboratory in Agra. The substance could be revealed only after the test report is received,” he added.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Noida) R.K. Chaturvedi said prima facie it seemed to be an attempt of robbery. “We have registered the case, sealed the house and are questioning about five suspected persons. There are fair chances of the involvement of other persons along with Akash.” — IANS

New Delhi, June 8
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the murder of Aarushi and her family help Hemraj in Noida, has found that the door of the room in which the teenager was killed was ajar, which puts a question mark on the claims by her parents that they did not hear anything that night.

Fourteen-year-old Aarushi’s parents - dentists Rajesh Talwar and Nupur Talwar - have told the investigating agency that they could not hear her cries the night she was murdered because of the closed door and noise of the air conditioner.

“During investigations it has been found that the door to Aarushi’s room was not bolted on the night of the incident, as claimed by Talwars,” a CBI official said.

The CBI said that it has enough evidence to show that the door was open and also dismisses Talwars’ statement that they pushed open the door on May 16.

“It is difficult to digest that the parents could not hear anything that night. Recreating the crime scene has belied their claims,” the official said.

The door to Aarushi’s room was such that it can be close from outside but once closed only she could have opened it from inside. Her mother Nupur used to keep the room’s key under her pillow.

Aarushi was found murdered and her throat slit on May 16. The police initially blamed Hemraj but backtracked a day after his body was found on the terrace of Talwars’ apartment a day later.

The police arrested Talwar on May 23, accusing him of killing his daughter in a fit of rage as he objected to her closeness to Hemraj. The police had said at the time that he first killed Hemraj and then his daughter.

Talwar was on Thursday sent to 14 days’ judicial custody.

The CBI tried to find answers to the various questions by subjecting Talwar to a lie-detector test. But nothing seems to have come out of the test as the CBI failed to recover the weapon of offence after scouring the drains near Talwars’ Noida apartment.

After failing to dig out the weapon of offence, the CBI is now depending on forensic reports.

During the lie detector test, also known as polygraph test, Talwar was reportedly composed.

“The lie-detector test on June 4 was aimed at locating the weapon and to establish the sequence of events. Talwar was composed while answering most of the questions. We have sent for examination the physiological data collected during the test,” an official said.

The CBI has sent blood samples present on the scene of crime, suspected fingerprints, palm prints and other forensic evidence for examination. A forensic report is also awaited on the blood soaked blanket found over the body of Aarushi.

The computer, laptop and some other articles taken from the Talwar house were handed over by the Noida police to the CBI. All the articles have been sent for forensic examination. — IANS

New Delhi, June 8
A major fire broke out in a government owned godown in the Laxmi Bai Nagar area of Safdarjang in South Delhi today morning. According to fire department officials, the blaze was reported around 9: 50 a.m. and it took them around two hours and eight fire engines to contain the flames. The godown is spread over 1000 sq meter, but the fire was limited to only 100 sq m, the officials claimed. No injury has been reported in the incident.

Although the exact worth of property damaged could not be ascertained but hardware, wooden articles and combustible chemicals in considerable proportion were engulfed by the inferno.

The plumes of smoke caused almost zero visibility leading the traffic to snarl down the INA flyover. The flyover, which is a major link between New Delhi district and South Delhi, remained jammed for almost an hour in spite of there being comparatively lesser traffic on Sunday.

“The fumes and the smoke made it impossible to drive and it took us about 40 minutes to move merely 400 metres”, said Sanjeev Singh who was caught in the traffic on his way to Munirka.

The effect of the snarls was also visible on the Ring Road traffic causing inconvenience to commuters.

The cause of the blaze is not yet known and the police has launched an investigation in this regard.

New Delhi, June 8
EcoWarrior Awards, the only award in India that recognises and felicitates people for the work done for the cause of environment, were given to 15 persons at a function held here recently. Vice-President M.Hamid Ansari gave away the awards.

The award is the brainchild of the Earth Matters Foundation run by renowned environmentalist Mike Pandey. Pandey has won three Green Oscars.

Actor John Abraham who has been working with the grass root communities for creating habitat for animals won the award.

The other recipients included M.Y Yoganathan, a bus conductor from Tamil Nadu who has planted 38,000 trees in 26 years, Chewana Norphel, popularly known as ‘Glacier Man’ for his effort to save natural glaciers and also create artificial ones in Ladakh, Madhu Bhatnagar who has been working towards bringing about a change in young minds for protecting nature, G.V Reddy who is working for the conservation of tigers in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Suraj Mewara, a conservationist, Tilak Vij, a businessman who is working as an activist in Himachal Pradesh, Sonya Ghosh who fought a legal battle for the exclusive habitation for monkeys in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, Monali Manohar Warwade, a school girl in her teens, who through art is propagating the message of conservation of natural resources, Dr Madhulal Valliate, a veterinary doctor who goes beyond the call of duty to save distressed animals, Komal Prakash and Mahesh Parekh who have been working towards the creation of an elephant village, Brahamanand Pandey for his work to save dolphins, Rahul Rohitashwa, Dr D.N Choudhary, an orintholigist in Bhagalpur and Abdul Wadud Banatwala for protecting whales.

Mike Pandey said, “The awards have been instituted to acknowledge the efforts of those who have been crusaders and have dedicated their lives to the conservation of environment and wildlife. The awardees are the role models for millions of people.”

Noida, June 8
A seminar was held in Noida on the occasion of World Environment Day on Thursday.

The theme of the seminar, which saw the participation of some of the stalwart environmentalists, was green economy.

Painting a dismal picture of the state of the world environment, Neeta Nangia said that the whole planet was a global family where unfortunately the level of carbon dioxide has increased up to 72 per cent in the past five years. On an average a motorist is stuck in traffic jams for 45 days, she said.

She further, said that the influence of affluence was catching up on the minds of the people of all the counties in the world. 

“We all want to drive big cars, live in utter comfort in air-conditioned large houses and enjoy the fruits of science and development.

“At his rate, the world would need nine more Earth to maintain an American standards of life and six more Earth for an European standard of life,” Nagia added.

Hari Dang, international environment expert, pleaded for no plastic bags. 

Each individual whosoever he is and wherever he is, must perform his duty towards the environment honestly, he added.  

“We have to ignite both the young as well as the old minds. Till 1991 the world did not do much for forests and water. If we develop social equality, water and wildlife it will lead to social harmony, Dang said.

Prya Ranjan Trevedi said that the first world Environment Congress was held in Stockholm, Sweden in 1937. But “peace-less-ness” has become a major issue along with unemployment and pollution and its control in the world today.

Children, he said, were better informed these days on the issue, he said. We have to control population along with disseminating information on green education, green industry etc. Green thinking, Trivedi felt, could rid us of pollution. 

This is the eighth year in a row that Trilok Sharma of Sri Ram Publications Noida has organised World Environment Day in Indira Gandhi Auditorium. It was attended by the elite of Noida, including two former chief secretaries of UP — Dr Yogindra Narian and Prashant Kumar Mishra.

New Delhi, June 8
India has emerged the third most attractive market destination for apparel retailers, according to a new study by global management consulting firm A.T. Kearney.

India comes after Brazil and China in the A.T. Kearney Retail Apparel Index, which looks at 10 drivers, including apparel consumption and clothing imports/exports, to rank the top 30 emerging markets for retail apparel investments.

“In India, apparel is the second largest retail category, representing 10 per cent of the $37 billion retail market. It is expected to grow 12-15 per cent per year,” said Hemant Kalbag, principal of Consumer Industries & Retail Practice, A.T. Kearney India.

“The top seven apparel companies account for less than 10 per cent of the total apparel retail market in India and Indian consumers tend to be more loyal to a specific retailer than to an apparel brand. The result is a thriving private label apparel market,” the study said.

“Like many developed countries, apparel retail in India is driven by sales promotion,” it added.

“The Retail Apparel Index was published for the first time this year as a companion to A.T. Kearney’s Global Retail Development Index (GRDI), a study of retail investment attractiveness among 30 emerging markets conducted annually since 2001,” said Saurine M. Doshi, a partner of A.T. Kearney India.

“The analysis evaluates more than 20 apparel markets to identify the top 10 countries in terms of market size, growth prospects and consumer affluence” Doshi added.

Turkey, Chile, Romania, Argentina, Thailand, Russia and the United Arab Emirates are the other countries in the top-10 list. — IANS

New Delhi, June 8
If you are one of those who dread the humid weather in the scorching months of June and July because it makes you sweat heavily and no amount of deodorants help forcing you to virtually turn a recluse, there is now a medical solution for your problem.

According to doctors, in this sweaty season, a simple treatment called Botox can bring respite from the embarrassment. “Come summer and, suddenly, we see an increase in men and women coming to us with this common problem. “Normally, a Botox dose the problem for almost a year. However, situations vary depending upon the severity of the problem”, says Dr Devansh, senior consultant, department of plastic and cosmetic surgery, Max Healthcare.

He adds, “After a Botox dose, over 95% patients experience a formidable decrease in underarm sweating. The instant decrease is experienced just within 48 hours. Besides controlling sweating, Botox cures body odour problems.”

Hyperhidrosis, a sweating problem that heightens during summer can cause uncontrollable perspiration in hands, face, underarms and forehead.

It is often accompanied by a foul odour. Axillary hyperhidrosis is worse. It refers to the excessive sweating that occurs in the underarm area.

Though surgical procedures are there, a Botox shot can cure your perspiring pits of shame.

After performing a harmless and painless starch test to locate the sweat glands, the treatment proceeds by injecting small amounts of Botulinum Toxin in approximately 12 to 15 places on each underarm.

“Normal activities can soon be resumed. However, heavy physical exercise should be avoided for several hours after injection,” advises Dr Devansh.

He further states, “Though a little swelling may occur soon after the injection, the swelling is bound to settle to normalcy in a week’s time. No side effects other than slight swelling barely occur. At times, one may experience itching, headache and slight pain at the neck area.”

New Delhi, June 8
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) will hold a two-day pre-marriage course for people who are going to enter the matrimony on July 29-30.

A maximum of 30 participants will be registered per batch on ‘first come-first served’ basis and a nominal registration fee will be charged from them.

They will also be advised on screening for certain genetic and acquired diseases before getting into nuptial alliance. The specialists will provide information on anatomy, contraception, common sexual problems, STD, including AIDS, screening of genetic diseases and making adjustments in married life.

The course being organised by the health promotion and health communication unit of the hospital aims at helping people in preparing themselves physically, socially and emotionally for the married life.

“The course is open to all who are above 18 years of age and are planning to get married,” said Bir Singh, convener of the course.

Doctors believe that the incidence of marital discord and sexual disharmony, HIV and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) are rising among couples.

“Apart from the stressful life, ignorance, myths and misconceptions about human body, sex and failure to adjust in marriage are the principle reasons for this,” said Bir Singh.

New Delhi, June 8
Shibani Kashyap, the local singing sensation better known for her “Zinda hoon main” song is musically binding two nations into a single tune. Last week Pakistani music director Farukkh Abid selected her for a solo song in his play.

Farukkh Abid had come to India to find a voice that would add verve to his song. He, finally, selected Shibani Kashyap, Shaan and Kailash Kher for his play.

Apparently, this is the second time that Shibani is singing for Farukkh. She says, “It is a matter of pride that Farukkh has selected me to sing for him for the second time. I am honoured.” 

New Delhi, June 8
A motor cycle rider was crushed to death and the pillion rider suffered grievous injuries when a speeding Blueline bus knocked them down in South Delhi, the police said today.

The bus, plying on route no. M-13 between Tara Apartments and New Delhi Railway Station, hit their motorcycle on Ravi Das Road near Kalkaji in the evening.

Prashish Raut, a resident of West Bengal, died on the spot, while Mithun, 18, was admitted to the Trauma Centre of the AIIMS, where his condition was described to be serious. The police said the two were roommates and were living in a rented accommodation in the Govindpuri area. Raut worked at a jewellery shop.

“The bus has been impounded and search is on for the bus driver,” said a police official. Blueline knocks down two in South Delhi — IANS

Greater Noida, June 8
Five armed criminals robbed a financier of Rs 60,000 and his cell phone and sped away after stabbing him in chest in the Surajpur police station area on Friday night. The victim was later rushed to Kailash Hospital by his relatives where he was admitted in the ICU.

Sanjay, a resident of Brondi village, was on his way to Kailash Hospital to meet his wife who was admitted there. As he crossed Doyala Village, five men suddenly blocked his WagonR car with their Pulser motorbikes. Four of them were holding revolvers while the fifth held a dagger.

They pulled Sanjay out of his car and snatched cash and mobile phone from him. One of them snatched the car keys and locked the car. They then drove away. But, one of them returned after a while and stabbed Sanjay in the chest and fled away.

It was only after sometime when a vehicle passed-by, that Sanjay could inform the police and his family. Soon his relatives came and rushed him to the hospital.

Sanjay’s brother Ajit has lodged an FIR in the Surajpur police station.

SP, rural, Babu Ram said that the police was trying to trace the criminals and that they will soon be behind bars.